Can You Flush Paper Towels? Everything You Need to Know Before You Do

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Can You Flush Paper Towels? Everything You Need to Know Before You Do

Can you flush paper towels down the toilet? Learn why it's not a good idea, what happens if you do, and what safe alternatives to use instead. A must-read for your home’s plumbing health.

Javed Iqbal

April 17, 2025

4Min Reads

Can You Flush Paper Towels? Everything You Need to Know Before You Do

Fashion and Style

Introduction

We’ve all been there—cleaning up a spill or drying our hands with a paper towel, then wondering: Can you flush paper towels? It might seem like an easy solution to toss it into the toilet, especially when a trash can isn’t nearby. But this simple action could lead to bigger plumbing problems and even environmental harm.

In this article, we'll explore why flushing paper towels is not recommended, what actually happens when you do it, and what better options exist for disposing of them. Our goal is to give you a clear, simple explanation using easy words so you can make informed decisions—and help you avoid expensive repairs.

What Are Paper Towels Made Of?

Paper towels are made from wood pulp, just like toilet paper. However, there’s one major difference: paper towels are designed to be strong and absorbent. They are made with longer fibers and sometimes include resins or glue-like materials to make them more durable.

Because of this, paper towels do not break down easily in water, unlike toilet paper, which is specifically designed to dissolve quickly when flushed.

So, Can You Flush Paper Towels?

The short answer is no. You should not flush paper towels down the toilet. Even though they look similar to toilet paper, they’re not built the same way.

Let’s break it down:

They don’t dissolve fast – Flushed paper towels stay in the pipes for a long time.
They can cause blockages – Since they don’t break down, they can clog pipes and lead to sewer backups.
They harm plumbing systems – Over time, flushing them can damage your home’s plumbing and cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

In fact, plumbers frequently report that one of the top causes of clogs is people flushing items like paper towels, wipes, and napkins.

What Happens If You Flush Paper Towels?

Flushing paper towels can cause several problems:

1. Toilet Clogs

Paper towels can bunch up and block the narrow pipes that carry waste away from your home. This often results in a slow-flushing toilet or complete blockage.

2. Sewer System Damage

If the paper towel passes through your home’s plumbing, it may still cause problems in the city’s sewer lines or septic systems. Municipal sewer systems aren’t designed to handle non-flushable items.

3. Costly Repairs

Calling a plumber for a blocked pipe or a backed-up toilet can be expensive. Even worse, if the clog affects the main sewer line, repairs can cost thousands of dollars.

What to Do If You Accidentally Flushed a Paper Towel

Mistakes happen. If you only flushed a small piece of paper towel, you might be okay. But if you notice slow draining or bubbling sounds from your toilet, it could be the start of a clog.

Here’s what you can do:

Try a Plunger: If the toilet isn't draining well, use a plunger to try to dislodge the paper towel.
Use a Toilet Auger: For deeper clogs, a toilet auger (or snake) may help.
Call a Plumber: If home remedies don't work, don’t wait. Call a professional before the problem gets worse.

Better Alternatives to Flushing Paper Towels

Now that we know the answer to \can you flush paper towels,\ it’s time to talk about what you should do instead.

1. Throw Them in the Trash

This is the safest and simplest way to dispose of paper towels. Keep a trash bin close to your toilet or sink to make it easy.

2. Composting (If Not Contaminated)

If the paper towel is used to clean water or natural materials (no chemicals or oils), you may compost it. Check your local composting guidelines first.

3. Use Reusable Towels

Consider switching to cloth towels or microfiber cleaning cloths. They reduce waste and are washable, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

Myths About Flushing Paper Towels

Let’s clear up a few common myths:

“If it’s small, it’s okay to flush.”
Even a small piece can contribute to a larger clog when mixed with other debris.
“It went down the drain, so it’s fine.”
Just because the paper towel disappeared doesn’t mean it won’t cause problems later.
“They’re just like toilet paper.”
Nope! Toilet paper is made to dissolve fast. Paper towels are not.

How to Educate Others in Your Home

If you live with others, especially kids or guests, it’s helpful to let them know about what shouldn’t be flushed. Here are some tips:

Post a small sign in the bathroom that says, “Please do not flush paper towels, wipes, or feminine products.”
Keep a visible trash can near the toilet to encourage proper disposal.
Talk to kids about what goes in the toilet and what doesn’t—it’s a great lesson in both science and responsibility!

Final Thoughts

So, can you flush paper towels? The answer is a clear no. They are not made to break down like toilet paper and can cause serious plumbing issues, from toilet clogs to expensive sewer repairs.

The best practice is to throw used paper towels in the trash or compost them if safe. Taking this simple step helps protect your plumbing, saves money, and is better for the environment.

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